5 Steps to Help Parents Play (and Create) Video Games with Their Kids

You might have heard some parents say they don't play video games with
their kids because they think the games are too complicated. You might
even be one of those parents! So how can a parent compete with kids who
seem to know all the ins and outs of their games?

Step 1: Make Your Own Game Levels!

No one knows a video game better than the person who creates it. The Super
Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game lets you do just that - create
your own side-scrolling 2D Mario courses that will impress any kid!

Step 2: Play Around!

Before you try your hand at creating, play a few levels to get a sense
of what works and what doesn't. You can play 100 built-in courses and
wirelessly access recommended courses from the Super Mario Maker
game on the Wii U console.

Step 3: Get Creative!

Once you know what you like, use the stylus to tap, drag and draw on the
touch screen! Place and customize items like enemies, obstacles, blocks
and platforms using a variety of different tools and options. But don't
worry - you can make levels as simple or as complex as you like. Mix and
match to come up with features that are all your own, like adding a pair
of wings to a Piranha Plant or making a cannon that shoots coins. Learn
tips and tricks from interactive in-game tutorials or at http://supermariomaker.nintendo.com/3ds.

Step 4: One Up Your Kids!

Impress your kids with your newfound playing and designing skills and
share your courses with them. And you should always be able to beat your
kids in the levels you create on your own.

Step 5: Player 1 and Player 2!

Best of all, pass a level back and forth with your kids to make your
dream course together. Finish off a course together and a special icon
will commemorate the collaboration.

Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS launches today at a suggested
retail price of $39.99, just in time to provide parents and kids with a
nearly endless supply of entertainment during the holiday travel season.
For more Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game tips for you and
your kids, watch Nintendo's newest episode of The
Play Nintendo Show.